Anton Pavlovich Chekhov
Anton Chekhov (1860-1904) was a Russian writer, widely regarded as one of the greatest masters of the short story and modern drama. His subtle, compassionate, and unsentimental depiction of ordinary life transformed both forms and continues to influence writers and playwrights around the world.
Chekhov wrote hundreds of short stories — including 'The Lady with the Dog,' 'Ward No. 6,' and 'The Bet' — and four great plays: The Seagull, Uncle Vanya, Three Sisters, and The Cherry Orchard. He pioneered a new kind of storytelling that avoids dramatic plot in favour of mood, character, and the quiet truths of everyday existence.
A physician as well as a writer, Chekhov brought a doctor's clear, humane eye to his fiction. He famously said his job was to ask questions, not answer them, and he died of tuberculosis at just 44.
His writing is clear and understated, and our editions present it cleanly. Read a story free, and read or listen with a membership.
Anton Pavlovich Chekhov in the library · 5 works
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The Lady with the Dog and Other Stories
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Audiobooks by Anton Pavlovich Chekhov
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Frequently asked questions about Anton Pavlovich Chekhov
What did Chekhov write?
Chekhov wrote hundreds of short stories and several major plays. His famous stories include 'The Lady with the Dog,' 'The Bet,' 'Ward No. 6,' and 'The Kiss.' His four great plays are The Seagull, Uncle Vanya, Three Sisters, and The Cherry Orchard. He is celebrated as a master of both the short story and modern drama.
Where should I start with Chekhov?
His short stories are the easiest and most rewarding way in — 'The Bet,' 'The Lady with the Dog,' and 'Misery' are perfect starting points, each short but deeply moving. If you prefer drama, The Cherry Orchard is his most famous play. His stories are ideal for reading one at a time.
Why is Chekhov considered so important?
Chekhov revolutionised the short story and the play by moving away from tight plots and dramatic climaxes toward mood, character, and the texture of ordinary life. His restraint, subtlety, and deep human sympathy influenced countless later writers, and his plays remain staples of world theatre. He is often called the father of the modern short story.
Are Chekhov's works hard to read?
Not at all — his prose is clear, spare, and elegant, and his stories are short. The challenge, if any, is that they often lack a conventional 'ending' or moral, leaving the reader to reflect. That quiet openness is exactly what makes them so powerful. A clear modern edition makes them very accessible.
Was Chekhov really a doctor?
Yes — Chekhov trained and practised as a physician throughout much of his writing life, famously calling medicine his 'lawful wife' and literature his 'mistress.' His medical background gave his writing its clear-eyed, compassionate realism and his fine attention to human behaviour. He also did significant charitable medical work.
When did Chekhov live?
Chekhov was born in 1860 and died of tuberculosis in 1904, aged 44. He wrote his stories and plays during the final decades of Imperial Russia. Despite his short life, he produced an enormous and influential body of work.
Where can I read Chekhov for free?
Chekhov's stories and plays are in the public domain, and older translations are freely available. Some early translations feel dated. Here you can read a story free in clear modern English, and read or listen with a membership.
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